Patriotic play continues and musical Tempest swirls at Brewery

The big theater news last weekend was "Beauty and the Beast." But, meanwhile, at the Brewery Arts Center the BAC Stage Kids were presenting a little-known play called "We the People," based on The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States.

The play uses short scenes to examine the Preamble and what it means to us today. This is powerful reminder of how America came to be, performed by a dedicated, talented cast which truly explored why America is America. If you didn't see it, it plays again this weekend at the Brewery.

See it, and you'll be glad you live here.

Sing out at Brewery

The international musical combo Tempest, from Northern California, is recognized as a driving force in today's folkie-rock world. They play traditional material mixed with high-energy rock intensity, the band is dynamic and electrifying.

Tempest performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. Tickets $15 general, $12 members, students and seniors. Call 883-1976 for information.

Tempest's members hail from five countries across three continents: Lead vocalist, electric mandolinist and founder Lief Sorbye from Oslo, Norway; drummer Adolfo Lazo from Havana, Cuba; guitarist Ronan Carroll from Dublin, Ireland; bassist Ariane Cap from Innsbruck, Austria; and fiddler Michael Mullen from Fresno, Calif.

The group's recent studio CD, "Shapeshifter," showcases traditional material from across England, Scotland, Ireland, America and Norway, in addition to original material. Last year, the band released "The 15th Anniversary Collection," a critically acclaimed, three-disc set of rare and previously unreleased studio, radio and live recordings.

Jazz at the lake

Twenty-nine solid hours of live jazz, eight stages in four lakeside locations, and more than 20 bands - that's the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival Friday through Sunday.

Performances by local and national favorites include Pearl Django, Cornet Chop Suey, Bob Draga, the Jazz Incredibles and Paco Gatsby. Then stick around for headliners Royal Crown Revue and the Reno Jazz Orchestra on Friday and Sunday nights. Tickets are at www.laketahoejazzfestival.com or by calling 1-800-GO-TAHOE. The beat goes on!

Film festival

Western Nevada Community College's Lone Mountain Writers and Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival are teaming up to screen eight short films at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the college's Marlette Hall.

Tickets are $15. Every director started out small before moving up the majors. This is a chance to see some of the best of the newcomers. Call 298-0018.

Skateboarding is not a crime

You may curse them at times, but skateboarders have a right to enjoy life. You can catch them at it at a skateboard tournament, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mills Park. After all, if there were no skateboarders, there would be no snowboarders, and that would be a tragedy. Call Scott Keith at 887-2290, ext. 101.

n Contact reporter Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.